Ingredients
- 1 oz Burgundy wine
- 4 oz Ginger Ale
Instructions
- Fill a large wine glass with ice.
- Pour the Burgundy wine over the ice.
- Add the ginger ale to the glass.
- Garnish with slices of lemon, lime, and orange.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
Notes
Estimated Nutrition:
Where it came from
The Burgundy Bubbler doesn't boast a long, storied past or a specific bar of invention. It's more of a contemporary creation, likely emerging from the craft cocktail movement of the early 21st century. Bartenders started exploring ways to incorporate wine into mixed drinks beyond the sangria pitcher, leading to inventive riffs like this one.
This drink sits comfortably in the highball or spritz family, sharing DNA with classics like the Tom Collins or even a New York Sour, given the red wine float. What sets the Burgundy Bubbler apart is its deliberate integration of red wine into a shaken base, rather than just a float or a simple wine spritzer. It aims for a more balanced, cohesive flavor.
You'd typically find a drink like the Burgundy Bubbler on a seasonal menu at a quality cocktail bar, or perhaps at a brunch spot looking for something a bit more sophisticated than a mimosa. It's also an excellent choice for a backyard gathering or a casual dinner party, offering a refreshing and approachable wine-forward option for guests.
What it tastes like
Expect a refreshing, tart, and subtly fruity profile. The gin brings its signature botanical backbone, often juniper and citrus, which pairs surprisingly well with the red wine's dark fruit and earthy undertones. The lemon juice provides a sharp, zesty brightness, while the simple syrup softens any edges. The club soda finishes it with a clean, effervescent lift.
With 1.5 ounces of gin and 1 ounce of red wine, the Burgundy Bubbler clocks in around 11-12% ABV, depending on your pour and the amount of soda used. This puts it squarely in the range of a strong craft beer or a lighter wine by the glass, making it a sessionable option that won't knock you sideways after one.
The technique
Building a Burgundy Bubbler is straightforward. Combine gin, red wine, lemon juice, and simple syrup in a shaker with ice. Shake well until thoroughly chilled, about 10-15 seconds. Strain the mixture into an ice-filled highball or Collins glass. Top with club soda. A lemon wheel or a few fresh berries make a nice garnish.
The key technique here is to ensure your shake is robust enough to fully chill and integrate the ingredients before adding the soda. A weak shake leaves it watery and dull. Also, hold back on the soda until the very end to preserve maximum fizz.
Ingredient Spotlight
The bottles that make or break this drink.
Gin
- Use
- A dry, juniper-forward gin works best here, like Beefeater, Tanqueray, or London Dry style. Its botanicals cut through the wine without clashing.
- Skip
- Heavily floral or citrus-forward gins might fight with the wine or lemon. Avoid anything too experimental.
- Why
- Gin provides the necessary backbone and aromatic complexity, giving this drink more character than a simple wine spritzer. It's the engine.
Red Wine
- Use
- A lighter-bodied red like Pinot Noir or a Gamay is ideal. Look for something fruit-forward but not overly tannic or oaky. Burgundy Pinot Noir is perfect, naturally.
- Skip
- Heavy, tannic reds like Cabernet Sauvignon or Syrah will overpower the other ingredients and make the drink muddy. Avoid sweet dessert wines.
- Why
- The red wine brings the 'Burgundy' character and a subtle fruitiness, adding depth and a unique savory note that differentiates this drink from standard highballs.
Three Variations
Three real ways bartenders riff on this drink.
Berry Bubbler
- Fruity and sweet
- Muddle a few fresh raspberries or blackberries in the shaker before adding the other ingredients. This adds a burst of berry flavor and a deeper color.
Brandy Bubbler
- Rich and robust
- Substitute the gin with a good quality brandy or Cognac. This shifts the flavor profile towards a richer, more autumnal experience, enhancing the wine notes.
Sparkling Bubbler
- Extra festive fizz
- Instead of club soda, top the drink with dry sparkling wine like Prosecco or Cava. This adds a more complex wine note and a finer, more persistent bubble.
What if I don't have…
Quick substitutions for when the bottle shop is closed.
Vodka or a light rum can step in, though you'll lose some of the botanical complexity. It will still be a refreshing drink.
A rich, dry vermouth or even a splash of Port can give a similar depth and color, though the flavor profile will shift.
Lime juice is a perfectly acceptable substitute for the acidity, just expect a slightly different citrus character.
Any tall glass, like a pint glass or even a large rocks glass, will work in a pinch. Just ensure there's enough room for ice and the soda.
Frequently Asked Questions
Direct answers to what people search for after Googling this drink.
What is in a Burgundy Bubbler?
A Burgundy Bubbler typically contains gin, red wine, lemon juice, simple syrup, and is topped with club soda.
Is the Burgundy Bubbler a strong drink?
It's a moderately strong drink, comparable to a strong beer or a glass of wine, usually around 11-12% ABV.
What kind of red wine should I use?
A lighter-bodied, fruit-forward red like Pinot Noir or Gamay is best. Avoid heavy, tannic wines.
Can I make a batch of Burgundy Bubblers?
Yes, you can pre-batch the gin, red wine, lemon, and simple syrup. Store it chilled and add soda water when serving.
What does a Burgundy Bubbler taste like?
It's refreshing, tart, and subtly fruity, with botanical notes from gin and earthy undertones from the red wine, finished with a crisp fizz.
Is this a sweet drink?
It's balanced, not overly sweet. The simple syrup provides a counterpoint to the lemon, and the club soda keeps it dry.
What's the best gin for a Burgundy Bubbler?
A classic London Dry gin like Beefeater or Tanqueray works well, providing a strong juniper and citrus base.
Can I use sparkling wine instead of club soda?
Absolutely. Topping with Prosecco or Cava will give it a more wine-forward, festive, and slightly stronger character.
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